John Simm admits he's open to Doctor Who return

Stage and screen actor John Simm has admitted he is open to the idea of reprising the role of The Master on 'Doctor Who'.

John Simm is open to the idea of reprising the role of The Master on 'Doctor Who'.

John Simm as The Master

The 46-year-old actor previously starred as the nemesis of the Doctor in the much-loved sci-fi series and has suggested he would like to return the role on the BBC show.

Asked about the possibility, he said: "You know what, I don't know. I mean, I wouldn't have thought in a million years that I'd be back [in 2017], yet here I am talking about it, so never say never.

"So you never know. This thing called 'Doctor Who' is a machine that just sort of goes on its own. It's got its own rules. And if they want you back, then great. I would definitely think about it."

The Doctor and The Master were childhood friends before they developed an intense rivalry, with the iconic Time Lord ultimately coming to view John's former character as his arch-enemy.

Actress Michelle Gomez has played a female incarnation of the character since 2014, but confirmed in May that the tenth series would be her last in the role.

Despite this, John - who first played The Master in 2007, before returning for a two-part special in 2009 - considers it unlikely that he will be offered the opportunity to reprise the role in the future.

Speaking to Doctor Who Magazine, he shared: "Will they ask? I doubt it. But I don't know. I mean, I'm very, very lucky to have worked with two Doctors. Two brilliant, brilliant actors.

"So if not, I will count myself blessed to have been asked back; to have played him these two times. That's wonderful. And we shall see. Who knows? Yeah, never say never. That's very true."